Which actress played the Dowager Countess's maid Denker?

Sue Johnston played Denker, the Dowager Countess’s lady’s maid in Downton Abbey.

Johnston joined the series in its fifth season, which aired in 2014. Her character, Gladys Denker, worked for Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess played by Maggie Smith. Denker quickly became memorable for her sharp tongue, scheming nature and constant rivalry with Violet’s butler, Septimus Spratt.

Within the story, Denker replaced Violet’s previous maid, Collins. She and Spratt repeatedly tried to embarrass or undermine one another, although Violet often found their quarrels entertaining. Denker was briefly dismissed after insulting Dr. Clarkson, but Spratt helped secure her reinstatement.

Viewers sometimes confuse the performer with Maggie Smith, but Smith played Violet, not Denker. Johnston was already well known for roles including Barbara Royle in The Royle Family and Grace Foley in Waking the Dead. She later reprised Denker in Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022.